Page:In the high heavens.djvu/377

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THE CONSTITUTION OF GASES.
373

to increased speed in the molecules. A portion of the energy thus arising is appropriated by the molecules and thus becomes fitted for the sustenance of the sun's heat.

So long as the sun shrinks in dimensions there will be an energy available towards the maintenance of its radiation. The termination of the supply will be reached when the sun has become so far solid that gravitation is no longer effective in reducing its volume at a sufficiently rapid rate.